Curated OER
Teaching Biology Through Problem-based Activities
Students plant seeds and observe the life cycle of the organism. They experimentally research the effects of radiation on seed growth. Students determine the effects of environmental pollutants on harvested seed.
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Friction and Machines
Fifth graders experimentally determine the relationship of friction to the functioning of machines. They demonstrate that rollers can decrease frictional force and increase speed and research to discover other ways that friction can be...
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Transformation With A Firefly Gene
High schoolers understand the process of bacterial transformation through experimentation. They describe the function of two important genes of the pBestLuc plasmid. They explain how to induce competence in E. coli cells.
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Seed Selection for Genetic Variation
Students will research the origin of corn, analyze factors that contribute to shorter and longer growing seasons, and use the scientific method to answer the question: Did seed selection contribute to the successful movement of corn from...
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An Introduction To Material Sciences
Students investigate the concept of molecular structure. They describe the behavior of simulated molecules and identify any dislocations in crystalline structures. They also define various related vocabulary words and use them in...
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The Energy Debate - Sea Level Rise
Students comprehend the impact of global warming on our coastal cities. They appreciate how geographic information systems can be used to represent scientific data. Students research the melting of the ice caps in Antarctica and the Arctic.
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From Brainstorm to Published Paper
Students investigate a topic through research, observation, and experimentation. They prepare a short science report and publish it online. Students reflect on the role of science reports in the larger scientific community.
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Acids and Bases - Vinegar II
Eighth graders experiment what happens when acids and bases are mixed together. In this acids and bases experimental instructional activity, 8th graders decide which of three solutions of unknown pH will neutralize a fourth solution of...
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Introduction to Graphical Representation of Data Sets in Connection with Nuclear Decay
Students record data, make observations, and share in experimentation and discussion of numerical experiments.
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Mechanically Inclined
Eighth graders examine the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane through experimentation.
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Steller Web Spinning Mystery
Students investigate what a system is in the scientific world. They watch a video of the Stellar seals of Alaska and develop clues as to why the seals are leaving. They discover through the clues they discover, how the components of the...
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Newton's 2nd Law
Fourth graders discuss Newton's Second Law of Motion, and the acceleration of fast and slow moving objects. They experiment with items with different masses to determine the effect mass has on acceleration using a toy car. They complete...
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Inventing and Presenting Unit 1: Analyzing Nonfiction and Inventing Solutions
Students read about and identify patterns in the invention process. Students discuss and write about information learned from research. Students compile a list of problems, choose one, write a problem statement, and compile a list of at...
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Examining Infiltration Rates of Various Soil Types
Students formulate their own hypothesis, determine which variables are important to test their hypothesis, design an experiment in which they collect data. They utilize instruments and tools to measure, calculate, and organize data.
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Testing the Hypothesis
Students create and conduct various experiments to determine the origin of a family artifact, and then determine whether their results were successful. Students summarize their results and evaluate whether their hypotheses were correct.
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Spin, Spin, Spin That Body!: Figure Skating, Physics, Science, Winter Sports, Olympics
Students learn the scientific principles of centripetal force through research and experimentation.
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Ears and Hearing
Students explore vibrations and sound waves. In this instructional activity about hearing, students use experiments to determine how sound waves travel. Students use a saucepan, rice, and a plastic cover for one experiment and a tube,...
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Color Mixing
Students experiment with primary colored water to mix new colors. They record new colors on a simple data sheet and share opinions on their work.
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Marble Mania
Students explore the concept of probability. In this probability lesson, students develop an understanding of probability by pulling marbles out of a bag and recording the data. Students use the recording sheet to discuss the results of...
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Are You a Trend Setter?
Learners are introduced to the periodic table of elements. They devise and perform and experiment in which they determine the density of specific elements. They use their results to predict the density of other elements in the same group.
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Looking At Variables
Students predict and test different variables that would effect sugar cubes dissolving in water. In this dissolving lesson plan, students have 4 petri dishes with 4 different variations of sugar cubes and water. They predict which will...
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Measuring
In this science instructional activity, students concentrate on attaining new knowledge of the science standard using the creative medium of games and puzzles.
Virginia Department of Education
Prokaryotes
Lead your biology class on a cell-sized adventure! Emerging scientists construct models of prokaryotes, then design an experiment to properly grow a bacterial culture. They conclude the activity by viewing the culture under a microscope....
Integrated Physics and Chemistry
Law of Conservation of Matter
Does mass change during a chemical reaction? Demonstrate the Law of Conservation of Matter while encouraging class members to be creative with a two-part lesson. First, learners use Alka-Seltzer® tablets and water to demonstrate the...